visual argument

Christie Porter
Diane Varner
Persuasive Writing
25 November 2008

Following the Trends

The picture that I found for my visual argument is an example of my semester topic. I feel that the media influences our ideals and views, and even has the power to persuade us to act a certain way, believe in something, or even purchase various items. The picture above shows Beyonce Knowles who is an American R&B singer-songwriter, and all around admired woman by many. Accompanying her is Jay-Z, an American Hip Hop artist. In the picture Beyonce has on a t-shirt with Barack Obama’s face on it and the words “Progress.” This is only a mere image of the stars of Hollywood that supported Obama. Throughout the election, there were songs written about him, t-shirts made, television stations such as BET supporting him. Obama’s campaign consisted of a lot of flashy propaganda, which was represented and worn by America’s favorite musicians and actors. Needless to say, much of America’s younger generation was not active campaign followers of Obama. Despite Barack’s excellent morals and values, many of his supporters from the younger generation, followed the views and beliefs of their favorite stars that came together to support him, rather then the beliefs of Obama himself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp-2XEQtB_o&feature=related
Jay- Z Makes Call for Obama<---you tube video

The video I found is very similar to the photograph, and is also a prime example for my specific topic of how the media influences our society. It’s a video from the day before Election Day. The video is of Hip Hop artist, Jay-Z making phone calls to citizens, once again encouraging them to vote for Obama. In the beginning of the video is a musical tune that states, “Hip Hop for Obama.” I feel that this video and photograph affect the people of our country in the same way that the media does. The visuals are put forward to persuade us to believe one way because these particular people believe that way as well. Much of what goes on in political campaigns like in these particular visuals goes on with companies all over. Majority of the commercials seen on television have famous stars promoting their products. The key for these companies is that if we as the audience see our idols using those products, we will want to use them as well. In America, we are constantly following the trends that are set for us by the media and the people in the media. They are there the encourage us to look, act, and believe the way that they do. Both of these visuals are examples of the way in which the media affects the way we feel. Although at times, the way we are acting may not specifically be because we are following the trends, for many people of our society, it is. For years our society has followed trends set by the media, and for the future I predict nothing less. However, I feel that at times we have to stop believing everything we are told by the media and its trendsetters, and act on our own personal beliefs.